Daya Nayak

Daya Nayak is an Indian police officer who served with the Mumbai Police for over three decades. Joining the force as a Sub-Inspector in 1995, he became one of the most widely recognised officers associated with Mumbai’s campaign against organised crime during the 1990s and early 2000s. Throughout his career, he served in several operational and investigative assignments and was known for his role in combating organised criminal syndicates. Although frequently described by the media as an “encounter specialist”, Nayak has consistently rejected the designation. In several public interviews, he has maintained that he merely discharged the duties entrusted to him under the law and acted in accordance with directions issued by his superiors. He has stated that his role was that of a government functionary carrying out the State’s efforts to dismantle organised crime and restore public order. Following a prolonged legal battle relating to allegations of disproportionate assets, Nayak was exonerated and reinstated into service. His continuity of service, seniority, rank and all consequential service benefits were restored. He was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police shortly before retiring on 31 July 2025 after completing thirty one years of service.